Alan Pardew admitted that Yoan Gouffran’s earlier than anticipated withdrawal from Newcastle United’s clash with Tottenham at White Hart Lane changed the complexion of Saturday’s visit to the capital.

Pardew’s side battled back from a goal down and looked a good bet to push on and pick up an away win against the odds before Gouffran was wiped out by a late Kyle Walker tackle that left the ex-Bordeaux star man hospitalised and in need of an oxygen mask.

“Gouffran’s injury was a big blow – I thought it changed the game a little bit,” Pardew told the Chronicle.

“We had less threat when he was off the pitch.

“We sent him for an X-ray. Fingers crossed he’s OK, because he’s been a real highlight the last three games.”

But Pardew could only watch on as Gareth Bale curled Spurs in front.

He said: “They had a brilliant start.

“We conceded what you have to say was an inch-perfect free-kick, but we responded really well and got hold of the game.

“Sissoko catches the eye with some of the things he does.

“It was looking good for us.”

United almost grabbed a point when Shola Ameobi was denied in the closing stages by Hugo Lloris, who made a great save.

Pardew said: “We almost nicked an equaliser right at the end.”

But the United boss suggested he had tried to take all three points rather than settling for a draw.

He added: “We had to open up the game, and they had a couple of breakaways.

“You have to say, for long periods of the game, you just sensed we might get something.

“We were very unlucky.”

Now Pardew is expecting his improving side to pick up a decent haul of points in the final 12 games.

He said: “If you take Man City away, we’ll have a good chance in all of those games. Therefore I’m buoyed by the fact we look a balanced side and have more power in the team.

“We looked more threatening, and we need to take that into our next Premier League game, which is Southampton.”